Weekly wrap-up: Perodua Traz SUV, TQ Wuling Bingo EV launched, Jaecoo J5 ROI opens, and more

The Malaysian automotive industry witnessed two exciting launches this week, setting the stage to bid adieu to 2025 on a high note. Perodua finally pulled the wraps off its long-rumoured compact SUV, the Traz, while TQ Wuling, a new Chinese brand, entered the market with the Bingo as its first EV. Meanwhile, the global auto industry also unveiled several noteworthy reveals and updates about upcoming models. 

Here’s a recap of all the major happenings from last week that you could have missed out on:

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Perodua Traz launched in Malaysia at RM 76,100

After a short teaser campaign, Perodua rolled out its long-rumoured compact SUV, the Traz, this week. It is a B-segment SUV that comes in two variants - X and H, priced at RM 76,100 and RM 82,000 (on the road price, without insurance), respectively. Based on Perodua’s DNGA platform, the new Perodua model is powered by a 1.5-litre 2NR-VE DVVT-i engine capable of generating a maximum power of 106 PS and a peak torque of 138 Nm. It is packed with several modern features, including a 9-inch infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera, auto air conditioning, and Perodua Smart Drive Assist.

TQ Wuling Bingo EV launched in Malaysia 

Wuling Motors, a joint venture between SAIC Motor, GM and Liuzhou Wuling, has made its way to the Malaysian market with the launch of the Bingo EV. It is the first model introduced under the TQ Wuling brand collaboration between TCMH and SGMW. The Bingo EV comes as a locally assembled compact EV offered in two variants, PRO and MAX, priced at RM 67,800 and RM 72,800, respectively. Both variants are powered by a front-mounted electric motor delivering 68 hp of maximum power and 150 Nm of peak torque. The Bingo Pro variant is equipped with a 31.9 kWh LFP battery, offering a driving range of 333 km (CLTC), while the Bingo Max features a 37.9 kWh unit that extends the range to 410 km.

Jaecoo J5 ROI opens in Malaysia; launch expected soon

Omoda | Jaecoo Malaysia has opened registrations of interest for the Jaecoo J5, previewed in August this year. The Jaecoo J5 is a B-segment SUV featuring a bold, boxy SUV silhouette and a refined level of luxury inside. It will come powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering a maximum power of 147 PS and a peak torque of 210 Nm. The official fuel economy is rated at 7.5 litres per 100 km. With launch slated for early 2026, the Jaecoo J5 is estimated to be priced around RM 120,000 in Malaysia. 

Denza D9 hits 1,000-unit sales milestone in Malaysia

BYD’s premium sub-brand Denza clocked a significant sales milestone in Malaysia this week. The brand has sold more than 1,000 units of the D9 premium minivan, making it one of the most desirable luxury MPVs in the premium electric mobility segment. Launched in February 2025, the Denza D9 comes in two variants - Advance and Premium, priced at RM 259,000 and RM 309,000, respectively. Both variants come equipped with a 103.36 kWh Blade LFP battery pack, which offers a driving range of up to 600 km.

Hyundai Motor Malaysia teams up with EON to open new outlets

Hyundai Motor Malaysia has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON) to expand Hyundai’s retail footprint across Malaysia. Under the partnership, two new Hyundai dealerships, one in the Klang Valley and another in Penang, are set to open in the first half of 2026. These priority regions were picked due to demand, growing customer interest, and a noticeable rise in hybrid adoption.

Xpeng joins forces with EPMB for local assembly in Malaysia 

The Chinese EV brand Xpeng has made a collaboration with EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) to produce Xpeng“intelligent” EVs in Melaka, including the G6 electric SUV and the X9 MPV. The brand’s CKD roadmap also includes the X9 PowerX, which is a range-extended EV version of the X9, combining electric power with a petrol engine and a battery pack. The Xpeng X9 PowerX is said to offer an all-electric range of 452 km and a combined range of 1,602 km.

Honda Dash 125 gets an update for 2026

Boon Siew Honda has introduced four new captivating shades for the Dash 125 underbone motorcycle, including Silver, Blue, White, and Green. These hues are complemented by two new graphic schemes - Modern Sporty and Neo Sportivo. At the core lies the same 125-cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, two-valve engine tuned to produce a maximum power of 9.85 hp at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 9.54 Nm. Priced at RM 6,599, the 2026 Honda Dash 125 is now available at all IMPIAN X showrooms nationwide.

2026 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX launched in Malaysia 

MODENAS has launched the all-new Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX, priced at RM 71,400 (on the road, without insurance). It is a sports-touring motorcycle based on a twin-tube aluminium frame. The bike is powered by a 1,099-cc liquid-cooled, inline-four DOHC engine, tuned to deliver maximum power of 134.1 hp and a peak torque of 113 Nm. Other key highlights include - Kawasaki Cornering Management Function, Kawasaki Traction Control, Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-lock Brake System, electronic cruise control, power modes, LED lighting, a 4.3-inch TFT-LCD display with smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology app. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Sixth-gen Toyota RAV4 launched in Japan

Toyota has launched the all-new, sixth-generation RAV4 in Japan, themed around “Life is an adventure”. Design-wise, the upgraded model retains a familiar footprint with the latest Toyota design cues and a bigger boot. Initially, the SUV will be offered in Z (more refined) and Adventure (rugged) grades, both powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid system generating a combined output of 240 hp. The performance-oriented GR Sport and PHEV versions are scheduled to arrive in early 2026. The Toyota RAV4 Z is priced at JPY 4,900,000 (RM 128k), while the Toyota RAV4 Adventure costs JPY 4,500,000 (RM 118k).

All-new 2026 Nissan Serena facelift revealed in Japan

Nissan has unveiled the all-new Serena facelift in Japan, featuring significant Kaizen-style improvements. On the exterior, the redesigned MPV gets a new V-Motion front grille mated to vertical DRLs and a new, fresh colour palette. The interior features the latest NissanConnect system with Google integration and new driver-oriented enhancements such as e-Pedal Step memory and new modes for intelligent Around View Monitor. Among the newly added variants are - Autech Line (featuring premium bits) and Multi Box (integrating a large-capacity storage box in the third row). Powertrain options include 2.0L mild-hybrid and 1.4L e-Power hybrid. The new 2026 Nissan Serene price in Japan ranges from JPY 2.78 million to JPY 5.21 million. 

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB makes its official debut 

The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB has made its official debut in the global market. Initially, the SUV comes in fully electric models - GLB 250+ with EQ Technology and GLB 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology, with market launch set for spring 2026. Based on an 800-volt electric architecture, the new GLB is powered by an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, offering a driving range of up to 631 km (on the WLTP cycle). The automaker confirms that hybrid/petrol versions of the SUV mated to a 48-volt system will launch at a later date. Other key highlights include - 5 or 7 seating capacity, off-road functions, a transparent bonnet, towing capacity up to 2,000 kg, MBUX Superscreen, and other advanced systems. 

MG4 Anxin Edition deliveries begin in China

MG has started delivering the Anxin Edition electric hatchback in China, which is touted as the world’s first mass-produced passenger EV equipped with a semi-solid-state battery. The said battery has 5% less liquid electrolyte content than conventional lithium batteries, offering enhanced safety and low-temperature performance. The EV is powered by a front-mounted electric motor generating a maximum power of 161 hp and a peak torque of 250 Nm. Feeding the motor is a 53.95-kWh battery, which delivers a range of 530 km (on the CLTC cycle). The MG4 Anxin Edition price starts from RMB 102,800 (approximately equal to RM 60k)

That's a wrap for now. For all the latest updates on the automotive industry, stay tuned with us.

Also read: Top car launches of 2025 in Malaysia